Our residents read in your paper that you wanted people to write what they are thankful for. We put our heads together and these are a few of the things we give thanks for daily.

Living in a free country was tops on this list. Some folks said they had traveled out of the United States and were grateful for the freedoms we have that many other countries can only hope for.

Freedom to worship was also discussed and our residents are thankful that various churches hold services in our building. One resident is thankful that his friends pick him up to take him to church.

Freedom of speech and of the press was discussed. They noted that although sometimes things do not look quite right in Washington the people have the right to elect and reject politicians.

Someone spoke up and said since we are talking about Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful for our food. Many countries do not have the bounty of food that we have. They hoped everyone’s table would be full at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

Medical science was discussed and all agreed that if it were not for advances in science some of them would not have been in our group.

Children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all agreed, were reason for thanksgiving. Family and friends certainly made the list, too.

One member gives thanks that Tidewater Virginia has four seasons and we get to enjoy them all.

Finally someone brought up living in a nursing home. I wondered what would be said and perked up my ears a bit more. Not someone but everyone in the room was thankful. Thankful to have a warm and friendly place where people take care of them: a place where their families would not have to worry about them; a place where they could be with friends and make friends and a place where they enjoy living if they can no longer live in their homes.

What am I thankful for? I am thankful for them and for the things they give thanks for. What a joy it was to hear them speak.

Carroll Miles, activities director

Riverside Convalescent Center-Mathews